By A.G Noorani and South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre, Oxford University Press, 2012, 283 pages, $60
This volume consisting of nine essays thoroughly examines the status of civil rights guarantees as enshrined in the Constitution of India. Discussing the contemporary social and political issues, and their handling by the state, it foregrounds different challenges faced by the civil rights framework in India. The essays elaborately analyze civil and criminal justice system, and cover topics, such as the death penalty, counter-terrorism activities, anti conversion laws, and freedom of speech. The work also brings out the complex relationship between curtailment of democratic tools of protest and enjoyment of civil rights.
Keeping in view recent international and national developments, the book focuses upon the threat faced by the civil rights regime from the state authorities. Further, this volume provides an overview of available national and international legal material on important contemporary issues in India. This timely and seminal work will not only be invaluable to the teachers, scholars, and students of law, but also appeal to general readers.